Resin Elasticity and the Strengthening of All-ceramic Restorations

Do preheated composite resin or adhesive resin layer strengthen the feldspar ceramic?

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Preheated composite resin and adhesive coating have been recommended as luting agents for ceramic veneers; however, information about the mechanical behavior of feldspathic porcelain veneers after using these methods is still limited.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of the use of preheated composite resin or an adhesive resin layer on the strengthening of a feldspathic porcelain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Feldspathic porcelain disks were fabricated (N=210), etched (10% hydrofluoric acid for 90 seconds), and bonded according to resin-based luting agents (30 per group) for the biaxial flexural strength tests: photopolymerized resin cement, flowable composite resin, preheated composite resin, with or without previous adhesive coating. Characteristic strength and Weibull modulus were calculated. The viscosity of the luting agents was measured by using isothermal analyses. Finite element analysis simulated the flexural test. Fractographic and bonded interfaces were observed.

RESULTS

The use of preheated composite resin led to the lowest stress levels in the feldspathic porcelain veneers. However, it did not increase the ceramic strengthening compared with other luting agents, as higher values were observed with flowable composite resin (P<.05). The use of an adhesive resin layer had no significant effect on ceramic strengthening when associated with preheated composite resin or resin cement (P>.05). Preheated composite resin presented the highest viscosity and led to incomplete filling of the porcelain surface irregularities. Failures originated on the ceramic surface subjected to tensile stress and were typically associated with pores at the ceramic-luting agent interface.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of preheated composite resin or an adhesive resin layer did not have a positive effect on strengthening feldspathic porcelain.

Fracture resistance of CAD/CAM blocks cemented on dentin using different cementation strategies

PURPOSE

To determine whether the fracture resistance of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin-based composites and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network materials cemented on dentin is influenced by the restoration thickness and composite cement application strategy.

METHODS

Disc-shaped specimens (Ø = 7 mm) of 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm thicknesses were milled from two CAD/CAM materials: resin-based composite (RBC, Cerasmart 270) and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN, Vita Enamic). The discs (n = 8 per group) were cemented on flattened dentin using three different cementation strategies: 1) self-adhesive composite cement (RelyX U200) in light-curing mode (LC-SAC), 2) universal adhesive (Single Bond Universal) with composite cement (RelyX Ultimate) in auto-curing mode (AC cement), and 3) adhesive and composite cement as in 2) but in light-curing mode (LC cement). The restorative surface was indented perpendicularly with a compressive load using a universal testing machine until fracture. The fracture resistance (N) of RBC and PICN was separately analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The fracture resistance of each material was significantly influenced by the material thickness and cementation strategy (P < 0.05). Irrespective of the material type and cementation strategy, thicker materials exhibit higher fracture resistance. For RBC, the fracture resistance of the LC cement group was significantly higher than that of AC cement only at 0.8 mm thickness. For PICN, the LC-cement cementation strategy produced superior fracture resistance, regardless of the restoration thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

The fracture resistance of Cerasmart 270 was higher for the thicker material; the fracture resistance of LC cement was higher than that of AC cement at 0.8 mm thickness cemented to dentin. In comparison, LC cement showed the highest fracture resistance for Vita Enamic for both material thicknesses.

Pre-cementation treatment of glass-ceramics with vacuum impregnated resin coatings

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a vacuum impregnation process to eliminate the porosity at the ceramic-resin interface to optimize the reinforcement of a glass-ceramic by resin cementation.

METHODS

100 leucite glass-ceramic disks (1.0 ± 0.1 mm thickness) were air-abraded, etched with 9.6 % HF acid, and silanated. Specimens were randomly allocated to 5 groups (n = 20). Group A received no further treatment (uncoated control). Groups B and D were resin-coated under atmospheric pressure, whereas groups C and E were resin-coated using vacuum impregnation. The polymerized resin-coating surfaces of specimens in groups B and C were polished to achieve a resin thickness of 100 ± 10 µm, while in groups D and E no resin-coating modification was performed prior to bi-axial flexure strength (BFS) determination. Optical microscopy was undertaken on the fracture fragments to identify the failure mode and origin. Comparisons of BFS group means were made by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey test at α = 0.05.

RESULTS

All resin-coated sample groups (B-E) showed a statistically significant increase in mean BFS compared with the uncoated control (p < 0.01). There was a significant difference in BFS between the ambient and vacuum impregnated unpolished groups (D and E) (p < 0.01), with the greatest strengthening achieved using a vacuum impregnation technique.

SIGNIFICANCE

Results highlight the opportunity to further develop processes to apply thin conformal resin coatings, applied as a pre-cementation step to strengthen dental glass-ceramics.

High-versus low-viscosity resin cements: Its effect on the load-bearing capacity under fatigue of a translucent zirconia

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of a resin cement with distinct viscosities, and to evaluate their impact on the static and fatigue strength of a translucent zirconia (4Y-PSZ) after air-abrasion surface treatment. Bar-shaped specimens of two different viscosities of resin cement (high and low) were obtained (25 × 10 × 3 mm). Sonelastic and Maxwell principles tests were performed to determine the elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio of each resin cement. Disc-shaped specimens of 4Y-PSZ were made (Ø = 15 mm, 1.2 mm in thickness) for the mechanical tests and allocated into groups according to two factors: surface treatment (presence or absence of air-abrasion with alumina particles; 45 μm grain-size); cement (absence, low or high viscosity). The static (n = 10) and cyclical (n = 15) biaxial flexural strength tests were performed by piston-on-three-balls geometry. A fatigue strength test was executed (20 Hz, initial stress of 60 MPa [12% of the mean static biaxial flexural strength], followed by increments of 25 MPa [5% of the mean static biaxial flexural strength] at each step of 10,000 cycles until the failure). The obtained data were analyzed by Weibull analysis. Survival rates were tabulated by the Kaplan-Meier test. Complementary analyses of surface roughness, topography, cross-sectional interfacial zone, fractography, and zirconia crystalline content (X-ray diffraction) were also performed. The evaluated resin cements with high and low viscosity presented similar elastic modulus (13.63 GPa; 12.74 GPa) and Poisson's ratio (0.32; 0.30), respectively. The air-abraded groups depicted higher mechanical strength of the zirconia ceramics than non-abraded groups (p˂ 0.05), regardless of the resin cement. 4Y-PSZ adhesively bonded to a high or low viscosity resin cement have statistically similar behavior (p˃ 0.05). The mechanical structural reliability of the 4Y-PSZ was not affected by the factors. Therefore, resin cement with high and low viscosity presented similar properties and potential to fill the zirconia surface, and did not affect the mechanical behavior of 4Y-PSZ. However, the air-abrasion surface treatment increased the static and fatigue flexural strength of the translucent zirconia.

Resin cement coating reverts the machining damage on the flexural fatigue strength of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic

This study evaluated the effect of resin cement coating with high and low viscosities on the flexural fatigue strength of machined lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. Discs (IPS e.max CAD; Ivoclar Vivadent) were prepared and divided according to the surface condition (machining [M]-CEREC inLab; and polishing [P]-laboratory procedures), resin cement coating (with or without), and cement viscosity (high [H] and low [L]). The ceramic bonding surface was etched/primed by a one-step primer application followed by resin cement application (Variolink N base + high or low viscosity catalyst; Ivoclar Vivadent). Biaxial flexural fatigue strength was evaluated on a piston-on-three-ball set by the step-test method (n = 15) (initial stress: 60 MPa; incremental steps: 20 MPa; 10,000 cycles/step, at 20 Hz). Weibull statistics were used for fatigue data. Contact angle, topographic, and fractographic analysis were also performed. Machining produced statistically lower contact angle than polishing and a significant detrimental effect on the fatigue behavior (σ₀ M = 247.2 [246.9-268.3]; σ₀ P = 337.4 [297.8-382.4]). Machined groups followed by resin cement coating (σ₀ MH = 297.9 [276.0-321.5]; σ₀ Ml = 301.2 [277.1-327.4]) behaved similarly to the polished and coated groups (σ₀ PH = 342.0 [308.9-378.5]; σ₀ PL = 357.3 [324.7-393.1]), irrespective of the cement viscosity. Therefore, cement coating has able to revert the detrimental effects of the machining on the fatigue strength of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. High and low viscosity cements behaved similarly in the improvement of CAD-CAM lithium disilicate fatigue strength.

Biomechanical Behavior Evaluation of Resin Cement with Different Elastic Modulus on Porcelain Laminate Veneer Restorations Using Micro-CT-Based Finite Element Analysis

The aim of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of the porcelain laminate veneer restorations (PLV) of the maxillary central incisor luted with two types of resin cements having different incisal preparations: butt joint and palatal chamfer. Biomechanical analyses were performed using the micro-CT-based finite element models, and von Mises stress and strain values of the PLV, resin cement, adhesive layer, and tooth structure were computed. The PLV with butt joint preparation showed larger stress values than those of restored with palatal chamfer preparation, regardless of the elasticity of the cement and loading conditions. An increase in the elasticity modulus of the resin cement induced slightly larger stresses on the adhesive layer, tooth tissues, and restorative materials. Overall, this study demonstrates the role of the preparation design and luting materials on the mechanical behavior of the PLV restorations and discusses the potential failure mechanisms of the PLV restorations under different loading mechanisms.

Grinding and polishing of the inner surface of monolithic simplified restorations made of zirconia polycrystals and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic: Effects on the load-bearing capacity under fatigue of the bonded restorations

This study evaluated the effect of grinding and polishing the inner surface of monolithic discs made of zirconia polycrystals (ZR) and lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (LD) on the load-bearing capacity under fatigue of the restorations bonded onto a dentin analogue material (epoxy resin). ZR and LD ceramic discs (10 mm in diameter, 1 mm in thickness) were produced and randomly allocated into 10 groups considering the internal adjustment approach: Ctrl - No adjustment; F - Grinding with fine diamond bur (46 μm); F + Pol - Grinding with fine diamond bur followed by polishing with 2 tips (finisher and polisher); FF - Grinding with extrafine diamond bur (30 μm); FF + Pol - Grinding with extrafine diamond bur followed by polishing. In addition, discs (10 mm in diameter, 2.5 mm in thickness) of fiber reinforced epoxy resin were produced. Afterwards, the intaglio surface of the ZR discs were air-abraded with 45 μm alumina particles for 10 s, the LD and resin epoxy discs were etched with hydrofluoric acid (5%/20 s and 10%/60 s, respectively), and the treated discs were primed as recommended. Each ceramic disc was luted onto the epoxy resin disc with resin cement. Then, the samples were tested under a step-stress fatigue test (20 Hz, 10,000 cycles/step, step-size of 100 N starting at 200 N, and proceeding until failure detection). Fractographic, topographic and surface roughness analysis were also performed. The adjustments (grinding with or without polishing) (ZR: 733-880 N; LD: 1040-1106 N) triggered a detrimental effect on the fatigue behavior in both ceramics compared with the absence of treatment (control group; ZR: 973 N; LD: 1406 N). The polishing step had no effect on fatigue findings. Thus, grinding the inner surface of the tested ceramics should be avoided wherever possible to prevent introducing damage and its detrimental effects on the fatigue behavior.

Impact of the Microstructure of CAD/CAM Blocks on the Bonding Strength and the Bonded Interface

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between the microstructure of CAD/CAM blocks and the quality of adhesion as function of the surface treatment and resin cement type.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two nano-ceramic composite resin CAD/CAM blocks, Lava Ultimate (LU) and Cerasmart (CS), and two Leucite-reinforced glass ceramic CAD/CAM IPS blocks, Empress^® CAD (EM) and Initial^TM LRF (IR), received either Hydrofluoric acid (HF) or sandblasting (SB) surface treatments. The blocks were then luted using two dual-cure resin cements, LinkForce (LF) and Multilink Automix (ML) with their corresponding silanes, resulting in 16 study groups. The luted blocks were then thermal-cycling (TC) for 5000 cycles and subjected to a microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the treated surfaces were analyzed using ImageJ software and XRD analyses were performed for the two ceramic blocks. The data obtained were submitted to Games-Howell post-hoc nonparametric test to compare combinations of groups or treatments and a linear mixed-effects model for the factors surface treatment, block type, and resin cement, together with their first-degree interactions (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The lowest mean μTBS values were obtained with LU-HF, whereas the highest mean μTBS values were obtained with CS regardless of resin cement type and surface treatment method. IR-HF mean μTBS were significantly higher than IR-SB, EM-SB, and EM-HF. Analysis using ImageJ software demonstrated significant differences in the density and pore size after HF surface treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The specific microstructure of each block material within the same family group impacted the micromechanical retention and the bonded interface strength.

Effect of resin cement space on the fatigue behavior of bonded CAD/CAM leucite ceramic crowns

This study evaluated the influence of occlusal resin cement space on the fatigue performance of bonded-leucite crowns to a dentin-analogue material. Leucite anatomical crowns were adhesively cemented to dentin-like preparations having distinct occlusal cement space (50, 100 and 300 μm) (n = 18), and subjected to step-stress fatigue testing (150 N - 350 N; step-size: 25 N; 20,000 cycles/step; 20 Hz). Fatigue data (load and number of cycles for failure) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Mantel-Cox (log-rank) tests (p <0.05). Fractographic analysis and occlusal internal space measurements were also performed. There was no significant difference for the distinct occlusal cement layer (50 μm: 289 N, 136,111 cycles; 100 μm: 285 N, 132,778 cycles; 300 μm: 246 N, 101,667 cycles). Occlusal internal space analysis showed a mean thickness of 120.4 (50 μm), 174.9 (100 μm) and 337.2 (300 μm). All failures were radial cracks originating at the ceramic-cement interface. Distinct occlusal cement spaces had no effect on the fatigue behavior of anatomical leucite crowns.

Modulus of Elasticity of Two Ceramic Materials and Stress-Inducing Mechanical Deformation following Fabrication Techniques and Adhesive Cementation Procedures of a Dental Ceramic

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Fabrication technique, precementation, and cementation operative procedures can induce significant modification of the stressing patterns throughout the thickness of some classes of dental ceramic materials.

OBJECTIVES

To estimate, by means of the deflection test, residual stress in restorative dental ceramic following fabrication technique, precementation, and resin cement coating procedures and to relate it to the elastic property of the ceramic material tested.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From IPS e.max® Press, lithium disilicate heat-pressed glass-ceramic (elastic modulus of 95 ± 5 GPa) disc-shaped specimens (n = 10) were made according to the manufacturer's instructions. One surface of the specimens was polished to provide accurate baseline profilometric measurements (reference surface). Deflection measurements were performed after polishing and annealing alumina air-particle abrasion of the unpolished surface followed by resin cement coating of the alumina air-particle abraded surface. The specimens were reprofiled at 24, 48, and 168 hrs after coating. The Friedman test followed by Dunn's multiple comparison test was employed to identify significant differences (p < 0.05). To compare the difference in mean of maximum mechanical deflection, after cement coating at 0 hr, between two different ceramic materials (IPS e.max Press and Vitadur Alpha (result from another study)), Student's t-test for unpaired data was performed.

RESULTS

Baseline profilometric measurements identified a convex form on the polished surface of the ceramic discs with a mean of maximum mechanical deflection of 4.45 ± 0.87 μm. A significant reduction in convexity of the polished specimens was characterized after alumina air-particle abrasion of the unpolished surface. The mean deflection significantly increased after resin cement coating and did not change over the time investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

The precementation treatment, namely, alumina air-particle abrasion and cementation procedure of IPS e.max® Press glass-ceramic disc-shaped specimens generates stress that induced mechanical deformation. However, a dental ceramic material with higher elastic modulus (stiffer) would minimize stress-inducing mechanical deformation.

Influence of cleaning methods on the bond strength of resin cement to saliva-contaminated lithium disilicate ceramic

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of different cleaning methods on the bond strength of resin cement to saliva-contaminated lithium disilicate ceramic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lithium disilicate ceramic specimens (n = 8/group) were etched with 5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) to comprise the control group. After or before saliva contamination, specimens were cleaned with one of five methods: rinsing with water-spray (WS), K etchant GEL (PA), Ivoclean (IC), AD Gel (ADG), or application of a silane coupling agent before immersion in saliva (SCA). Stainless steel rods were bonded to the ceramic with resin cement. The tensile bond strength was measured after 24 h (TC0) and after thermal cycling at 4-60 °C (TC20000). Specimen surfaces were also evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

Both the cleaning method (p = 0.0001) and storage condition (p = 0.0001) significantly affected the bond strength results. Before or after TCs, no significant differences in bond strength were observed between the control group and the other cleaning groups except for the WS group, which had a significantly lower bond strength than did the PA, IC, ADG, or SCA groups (p < 0.05). The level of nitrogen in the ADG group was almost equal to that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

WS cleaning did not restore the bond strength of resin cement to saliva-contaminated lithium disilicate ceramic etched with HF, while PA, IC, ADG, and SCA all benefited.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Lithium disilicate ceramic restorations etched with HF should to be cleaned with ADG after saliva contamination.

Effect of Surface Coating on Bond Strength between Etched Feldspar Ceramic and Resin-Based Luting Agents

This study evaluated adhesive protocols (silane, silane and unfilled resin, and universal adhesive) of bond strength between feldspar ceramic and resin-based luting agents (RBLAs). Thirty ceramic disks were embedded into acrylic resin, polished, etched, and randomly divided into 6 groups: S-RC: silane (S) and light-cured resin cement (RC) (RelyX Veneer; 3M ESPE); SB-RC: S followed by bond (B) (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray) and RC; UA-RC: universal adhesive (UA) (Single Bond Universal; 3M ESPE) and RC; flowable composite resin (F) was used on groups S-F, SB-F, and UA-F, and luting agent cylinders were built. The response variables (n=20) were microshear bond strength (MPa), characteristic strength (σ₀, MPa), and Weibull modulus (m). The RC groups presented similar bond strengths regardless of whether or not bond was used. The S-F group with only silane application showed the highest bond strength, while the universal adhesive showed the lowest bond strength. The reliability was only affected in the UA-RC group, which was lower than the S-F group. Silane application is fundamental since the universal adhesive only decreased the bond strength between the feldspar ceramic and the RBLAs. Overall, the use of unfilled resin did not positively influence bond strength.

Impact of Silane-containing Universal Adhesive on the Biaxial Flexural Strength of a Resin Cement/Glass-ceramic System

The aim of this study was to determine whether using a silane-containing universal adhesive as a silane primer in glass-ceramic/resin cement systems affects biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and bonded interface integrity after loading. Glass-ceramic (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar/Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) disc-shaped specimens (6.5±0.1mm in diameter, 0.5±0.1mm thick) were etched with 5% hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 20 seconds and divided into four groups of 30 specimens, to be treated as follows: 1) One bottle silane primer (RCP); 2) Separate application of silane and adhesive (RCP+SB); 3) Silane-containing universal adhesive (SBU); 4) No treatment (C). After silanization, all specimens were resin cement- coated and polymerized for 40 seconds. Each specimen layer was measured, as well as each assembly's thickness, using a digital caliper and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Specimens were stored for 24 hours and submitted to a BFS test (1.27 mm/min). BFS values were calculated using the bilayer disc-specimen solution. Bonded interfaces were analyzed on fractured fragments using SEM. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05) were applied, as well as the Weibull analysis. Factor "silane treatment" was statistically significant ( p<0.0001). RCP+SB (372.2±29.4 MPa) and RCP (364.2±29.5 MPa) produced significantly higher BFS than did the C (320.7±36.3 MPa) or SBU (338.0±27.1 MPa) groups. No differences were found in the Weibull modulus ( m: RCP: 10.1-17.3; RCP+SB: 10.1-17.0; SBU: 12.3-22.4; C: 7.4-12.9). Bonded interface analysis exhibited ceramic-cement separation (SBU, C) and voids within the resin cement layer (all groups). Neither the ceramic/cement system's BFS nor its bonded interface stability were improved by SBU after loading.

Effect of sandblasting, etching and resin bonding on the flexural strength/bonding of novel glass-ceramics

OBJECTIVES

To process novel leucite glass-ceramics and test the effects of surface treatment and resin bonding on the biaxial flexural strength (BFS) and shear bond strength (SBS).

METHODS

Alumino-silicate glasses were ball-milled, and heat treated to form leucite glass-ceramics (LG-C, OLG-C), then sintered into ingots. Ingots were heat extruded into a refractory mould to form disc specimens (1.3×14mm diameter). IPS e.max^® was used as a commercial comparison. Glass-ceramic test groups were sandblasted (Groups. 1, 4, 6), sandblasted, etched and adhesively bonded (Groups. 2, 5, 7) or lapped, etched and adhesively bonded (Groups. 3, 8). Specimens were adhesively bonded with Monobond S, followed by the application of Variolink II^® cement and light curing. BFS testing was at 1mm/min and SBS testing at 0.5mm/min. Samples were characterised using XRD, SEM and profilometry.

RESULTS

XRD confirmed tetragonal leucite in LG-C/OLG-C and lithium disilicate/lithium orthophosphate in IPS e.max^®. Mean BFS (MPa (SD)) were: Gp1 LG-C; 193.1 (13.9), Gp2 LG-C; 217.7 (23.0), Gp3 LG-C; 273.6 (26.7), Gp4 OLG-C; 255.9 (31); Gp5 OLG-C; 288.6 (37.4), Gp6 IPS e.max^®; 258.6 (20.7), Gp7 IPS e.max^®; 322.3 (23.4) and Gp8 IPS e.max^®; 416.4 (52.6). The Median SBS (MPa) were Gp1 LG-C; 14.2, Gp2 LG-C (10s etch); 10.6 and Gp3 IPS e.max^®; 10.8. Mean surface roughness was 5-5.1μm (IPS e.max^®) and 2.6μm (LG-C).

SIGNIFICANCE

Novel leucite glass-ceramics with reduced flaw size and fine microstructures produced enhanced BFS and SBS by resin bonding. These properties may be useful for the fabrication of minimally invasive aesthetic and fracture resistant restorations.

Feldspar Ceramic Strength and The Reinforcing Effect by Adhesive Cementation Under Accelerated Aging

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of the accelerated artificial aging (AAA) on feldspar ceramic strength and the reinforcing effect promoted by adhesive cementation with resin luting agent. One hundred twenty feldspar ceramic disks were obtained. Sixty disks were acid-etched, silanized, and coated with an experimental resin luting agent simulating the adhesive luting procedures. Four groups were created (n=30): uncoated ceramic (control group), uncoated ceramic submitted to AAA, ceramic coated with resin luting agent, and coated ceramic submitted to AAA. Biaxial flexural testing with ball-on-ring setup was carried out. Biaxial flexural strength (s bf , MPa), characteristic strength (s 0 , MPa), and Weibull modulus (m) were calculated for axial positions z=0 (ceramic surface) and z=−t2 (luting agent surface). Data of s bf at positions z=0 and z=-t2 were separately submitted to statistical analyses (a=0.05). The uncoated ceramic submitted to AAA had no significant difference in s bf and s 0 compared with the control group. Resin coating of the ceramic increased s bf and s 0 at z=0. The AAA increased the s bf and s 0 for the resin-coated ceramic specimens at z=0 and also the s 0 at axial position z=-t2. The structural reliability at z=0 and z=-t2 was not influenced by the variables tested. In conclusion, resin coating improved the mechanical strength of the feldspar ceramic. The AAA procedure was not effective in aging the uncoated or resin-coated feldspar ceramic specimens.

The effect of hydrofluoric acid concentration on the fatigue failure load of adhesively cemented feldspathic ceramic discs

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the influence of hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching at different concentrations on the fatigue failure load of adhesively cemented feldspathic ceramic discs (Vita Mark II). Besides, their effect on the micromorphology of ceramic surface was investigated.

METHODS

Eighty ceramic discs (ϕ=10 mm; thickness=1.5 mm) were cemented to epoxy supporting discs (ϕ=10 mm; thickness=2.0mm) using different surface conditioning methods (n=20): nonetched control (CTRL), or etched for 60s with different HF concentrations: 1% (HF1), 5% (HF5), or 10% (HF10). All the ceramic discs received a silane application (Monobond Plus). The epoxy discs were etched with 10% HF for 60s and received a primer coating (Multilink Primer A+B). Adhesively cementation was performed (Multilink Automix), and the assemblies (ceramic discs/epoxy discs) were subjected to cyclic loads in water by a staircase approach (500,000 cycles; 20Hz; initial load=290N; step size=30N). Fatigue failure load data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's tests (α=.05).

RESULTS

Mean failure load of the HF5 group (255.0±23.0N) was significantly lower; HF1 group (301.7±71.0N) presented intermediate values, and the highest values were achieved in CTRL (351.7±13.4N) and HF10 (341.7±20.6N) groups. All the failures were radial cracks starting from the bonding surface.

SIGNIFICANCE

In terms of fatigue failure load, etching with 1% and 5% HF had a deleterious effect on the fatigue behavior of an adhesively cemented feldspathic ceramic, while 10% HF had no negative influence.

Strengthening of Porcelain Provided by Resin Cements and Flowable Composites

This study evaluated the effect of mechanical properties of resin-based luting agents on the strength of resin-coated porcelain. The luting agents tested were two flowable resin composites (Filtek Z350 Flow and Tetric-N Flow), a light-cured resin cement (Variolink Veneer [VV]), and a dual-cured resin cement (Variolink II) in either light-cured (base paste) or dual-cured (base + catalyst pastes [VD]) mode. Flexural strength (σf) and modulus of elasticity (Ef) of the luting agents were measured in three-point bending mode (n=5). Porcelain discs (Vita VM7) were tested either untreated (control) or acid etched, silanized, and coated with the luting agents. Biaxial flexural strength (σbf) of the porcelain discs was tested using a ball-on-ring setup (n=30). The σbf of the resin-coated specimens was calculated at z-axial positions for multilayer specimens in the ball-on-ring test: position z = 0 (ceramic surface at the bonded interface) and position z = −t2 (luting agent surface above ring). The σf and Ef data were subjected to analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=0.05). A Weibull analysis was performed for σbf data. Weibull modulus (m) and characteristic strength (σ0) were calculated. Linear regression analyses investigated the relationship between mechanical properties of the luting agents and the strengthening of porcelain. VD had higher and VV had lower mechanical strength than the other materials. At z = 0, all resin-coated groups had higher σbf than the control group. No significant differences between the luting agents were observed for σbf and σ0. At z = −t2, VD had the highest σbf and σ0, whereas VV had the poorest results. No significant differences in m were observed across groups. A linear increase in flexural strength of the porcelain was associated with increased σf and Ef of the luting agents at position z = −t2. In conclusion, resin coating and use of luting agents with better physical properties generally improved the mechanical performance of porcelain.

Influence of preparation design on fit and ceramic thickness of CEREC 3 partial ceramic crowns after cementation

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the influence of preparation design on the marginal and internal gap and ceramic thickness of partial ceramic crowns (PCCs) fabricated with the CEREC 3 system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen extracted human mandibular molars were prepared according to two different preparation designs (n = 8): a retentive preparation design with traditional cusp capping (Group I) and a non-retentive preparation design with horizontal reduction of cusps (Group II). PCCs were fabricated from IPS Empress CAD with the CEREC 3 system. The parameters for luting space and minimum occlusal ceramic thickness were set to 30 μm and 1.5 mm, respectively. The fabricated PCCs were cemented to their corresponding teeth with self-adhesive resin cement and were then scanned by micro-computed tomography. The marginal and internal gaps were measured at pre-determined measuring points in five bucco-lingual and three mesio-distal cross-sectional images. The ceramic thicknesses of the PCCs were measured at the measuring points for cusp capping areas.

RESULTS

Group II (167.4 ± 76.4 μm) had a smaller overall mean gap, which included the marginal and internal gap measurements, than that of Group I (184.8 ± 89.0 μm). The internal gaps were larger than the marginal gaps, regardless of preparation design. Group I presented a thinner ceramic thickness in the cusp capping areas than the minimum occlusal ceramic thickness parameter of 1.5 mm. CONCLUSION. Preparation design had an influence on fit, particularly the internal gap of the PCCs. Ceramic thickness could be thinner than the minimum ceramic thickness parameter.

Fatigue loading and R-curve behavior of a dental glass-ceramic with multiple flaw distributions

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of surface finish and mechanical loading on the rising toughness curve (R-curve) behavior of a fluorapatite glass-ceramic (IPS e.max ZirPress) and to determine a statistical model for fitting fatigue lifetime data with multiple flaw distributions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rectangular beam specimens were fabricated by pressing. Two groups of specimens (n=30) with polished (15 μm) or air abraded surface were tested under rapid monotonic loading in oil. Additional polished specimens were subjected to cyclic loading at 2 Hz (n=44) and 10 Hz (n=36). All fatigue tests were performed using a fully articulated four-point flexure fixture in 37°C water. Fractography was used to determine the critical flaw size and estimate fracture toughness. To prove the presence of R-curve behavior, non-linear regression was used. Forward stepwise regression was performed to determine the effects on fracture toughness of different variables, such as initial flaw type, critical flaw size, critical flaw eccentricity, cycling frequency, peak load, and number of cycles. Fatigue lifetime data were fit to an exclusive flaw model.

RESULTS

There was an increase in fracture toughness values with increasing critical flaw size for both loading methods (rapid monotonic loading and fatigue). The values for the fracture toughness ranged from 0.75 to 1.1 MPam(1/2) reaching a plateau at different critical flaw sizes based on loading method.

SIGNIFICANCE

Cyclic loading had a significant effect on the R-curve behavior. The fatigue lifetime distribution was dependent on the flaw distribution, and it fit well to an exclusive flaw model.

Atmospheric moisture effects on the testing rate and cementation seating load following resin-strengthening of a soda lime glass analogue for dental porcelain

OBJECTIVES

To investigate if resin-cementation of a soda lime glass dental analogue could elucidate information regarding the pattern of resin-reinforcement when coated in an environment actively scavenged of moisture.

METHODS

192 soda lime disc-shaped specimens (alumina particle air abraded, hydrofluoric acid-etched and silane coated) were randomly assigned to eight groups (n=24 per group) prior to resin-coating at seating loads of 5 N (Groups A-D) and 30 N (Groups E-H) in an environment where moisture was actively scavenged and maintained below 15 ppm. Following one week storage the discs were tested in biaxial flexure at crosshead rates of 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10mm/min. Analysis of group means was performed utilising a general linear model univariate analysis and post hoc all paired Tukey tests (P<0.05).

RESULTS

The general linear model univariate analysis identified the mean biaxial flexure strength (BFS) was significantly influenced by the factors resin-cementation seating load (P<0.001) and crosshead speed of the applied load (P<0.001) with a significant interaction (P=0.008) between both factors. The linear logarithmic regression curves fitted to the group mean BFS data plotted against the crosshead speed highlighted significant differences between the pattern of resin-strengthening for the cementation loads and testing conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in resin-penetration expected within the 'resin-ceramic hybrid layer' following removal of the 30 N seating load was proposed as the modifying resin-strengthening parameter. These observations are supported by the viscoelastic and creep behaviour of resins at slow testing rates which becomes the dominant or determining phenomenon.

Nanoparticle loading level and properties of experimental hybrid resin luting agents

PURPOSE

This study investigated the influence of nanoparticle loading level on properties of experimental hybrid resin luting agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Silanated 2-μm barium borosilicate glass microparticles and 7-nm silica nanoparticles were used. Five materials were obtained by loading a photocurable Bis-GMA/TEGDMA co-monomer with a total mass fraction of 60% inorganic fillers. The mass fraction of nanoparticles was set at 0% (control), 1% (G1), 2.5% (G2.5), 5% (G5), or 10% (G10). The properties evaluated were flexural strength (σ) and modulus (E(f) ), Knoop hardness number (KHN), and film thickness (FT). Dispersion/interaction of the particles with the resin phase was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were submitted to statistical analysis (5%).

RESULTS

For σ, G1 > G2.5 = G5 = G10, and control > G10. For E(f) , G2.5 > control = G1 > G5 > G10. For KHN, G5 = G10 > control = G1 = G2.5. For FT, G10 = G5 > control = G1, and G10 > G2.5. Incorporation of nanoparticles was associated with observation of clusters in the SEM analysis. The clusters were more frequent for higher nanoparticle loadings.

CONCLUSION

Modest incorporation of nanoparticles may improve the properties of resin luting materials. Nanofiller mass fractions above 2.5% should, however, be avoided because they may be detrimental to the properties of the resin luting agents.

Strength of a feldspar ceramic according to the thickness and polymerization mode of the resin cement coating

The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the biaxial flexural strength (ISO 6872) of a feldspathic ceramic (VM7, Vita Zahnfabrik) coated with a resin cement with different thicknesses and polymerization mode. Control groups consisted in VM7 with and without acid etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 1 min. Experimental groups comprised VM7 etched, silanated and coated with Variolink II (Ivoclar Vivadent) cement, that was polymerized through the porcelain in light-cure and dual-cure modes, with thickness ≤150 µm or >150 µm. The specimens (n=15) were subjected to the biaxial flexural strength essay and analyzed fractographically. Parametric (Dunnet, Anova 2-way, Tukey) and non-parametric tests (Weibull) were used to evaluate results. Ceramic disks coated with resin cements of either activation modes and thicknesses exhibited higher flexural strength while the Weibull moduli did not present significant differences for a confidence interval of 95%.

Transient and residual stresses in a pressable glass-ceramic before and after resin-cement coating determined using profilometry

OBJECTIVE

The effect of heat-pressing and subsequent pre-cementation (acid-etching) and resin-cementation operative techniques on the development of transient and residual stresses in different thicknesses of a lithium disilicate glass-ceramic were characterised using profilometry prior to biaxial flexure strength (BFS) determination.

METHODS

60 IPS e.max Press discs were pressed and divested under controlled conditions. The discs were polished on one surface to thicknesses of 0.61±0.05, 0.84±0.08, and 1.06±0.07 mm (Groups A-C, respectively). The mean of the maximum deflection (acid-etching and resin-coating was determined using high resolution profilometery prior to BFS testing. Paired sample t-tests were performed (p<0.05) on the 20 individual samples in each group (Groups A-C) for each comparison. Differences between the baseline quantification and resin-cement coating deflection values and BFS values for Groups A-C were determined using a one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey tests (p<0.05).

RESULTS

Baseline quantification for Groups A-C identified no significant differences between the group means of the maximum deflection values (p=0.341). Following HF acid-etching, a significant increase in deflection for all groups (p<0.001) was identified compared with the baseline quantification. Additionally, resin-cement coating significantly increased deflection for Group A (p<0.001), Group B (p<0.001) and Group C (p=0.001) specimens for the individual groups. The increased deflection from baseline quantification to resin-cement coating was significantly different (p<0.001) for the three specimen thicknesses, although the BFS values were not.

SIGNIFICANCE

The lower reported baseline quantification range of the mean of the maximum deflection for the IPS e.max(®) Press specimens was predominantly the result of specimen polishing regime inducing a tensile stress state across the surface defect integral which accounted for the observed surface convexity. Acid-etching and resin-cementation had a significant impact on the development and magnitude of the transient and residual stresses in the lithium disilicate glass-ceramic investigated.

Transient and residual stresses induced during the sintering of two dentin ceramics

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the stress induced deformation of bi-axial flexure strength (BFS) test specimens during processing to provide an insight into sintering effects and associated BFS determination.

METHODS

40 Vitadur-Alpha and 80 IPS e.max Ceram disc-shaped specimens were condensed and a sintered on a silicon nitride refractory tray under controlled firing and cooling parameters. The mean of the maximum deflection (μm) and Ra values (μm) were determined using a high resolution profilometer and were related to the orientation of the measured surface within the furnace. BFS testing of the subsequent groups (n = 20) was performed and the data related to the measured deformation of the sintered specimens. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) where factors were identified as surface state and firing orientation with post hoc Tukey's tests was complemented by pair-wise comparisons with a Student's t-test for each measurement (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

The mean of the maximum deflection values and the mean BFS for Vitadur Alpha discs were not significantly influenced by firing orientation (P = 0.248 and P = 0.284, respectively). However, the Ra values were significantly different (P < 0.001). The two-way ANOVA revealed a significant impact on the mean of the maximum deflection measurements for surface state (P < 0.001) and firing orientation (P < 0.001) during sintering (P < 0.001). The mean Ra values were not significantly influenced. The BFS of sintered IPS e.max Ceram discs was sensitive to firing orientation (P < 0.001).

SIGNIFICANCE

Conventional glass theory explains that residual thermal stress gradients induced during sintering can cause test specimen deformation which can alter the expected BFS data. The study demonstrates that variability such as firing orientation during sintering which is very rarely reported in the literature can have a significant impact on the reported BFS data and can confound its interpretation.

The influence of elastic modulus of base material on the marginal adaptation of direct composite restoration

This study compared the marginal adaptation of direct composites under base materials with different elastic moduli. MOD cavities were prepared in 30 teeth. The cervical margin was placed 1 mm above the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) in one side and 1 mm below the CEJ in dentin in the other. The teeth were randomly divided into the following six groups (five teeth each) according to the base materials used: No base (Group 1), experimental flowable composite (Group 2), Helioflow (Ivoclar Vivadent) (Group 3), Tetric Flow (Group 4), Heliomolar HB (Ivoclar Vivadent) (Group 5) and Fuji II LC (Group 6). In Group 1, after etching the cavity enamel with 35% phosphoric acid, the cavities were primed and bonded with AdheSE, then filled with Tetric Ceram according to the manufacturer's instructions. In the other groups, after placing the base materials (1 mm thick) into the cavity, the cavity was filled with Tetric Ceram using the same methods as in Group 1. After storing the specimens in distilled water for seven days, they were finished and polished. Using stereomicroscopy at 150x magnification, marginal adaptation of the specimens was determined and the percentage of the imperfect margin (IM%) in the pre-loaded specimens was calculated. A mechanical load was applied using a custom-made Chewing simulator. All specimens were submitted to 600,000 load cycles at 49N with a frequency of 2Hz. The IM% in the post-load specimens was calculated. Repeated measured one-way ANOVA with Tukey was applied to compare the IM% in the six groups at the 95% confidence level. The results of statistical analysis indicated that the IM% was Group 3, 4, 6 < or = 2 < or = 5 < or = 1.

Surface/Interface Morphology and Bond Strength to Glass Ceramic Etched for Different Periods

Increased etching periods may impair the bond strength to ceramics, while the use of an unfilled resin after silane may improve bond strength. The application of a bonding resin may also provide better infiltration to the irregularities created on etched surfaces, irrespective of the conditioning time.